INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EYEDROPS

House Bill 4451 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Julie Calley

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 5-1-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4451 would add a section to Chapter 34 (Disability Insurance Policies) of the Insurance Code that would prevent an insurer from denying coverage for refill prescription eyedrops if certain provisions applied.

Specifically, an insurer that delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed a health policy covering prescription eyedrops could not deny coverage for a refill of the prescription if all of the following applied:

·         For a 30-day supply, a certain amount of time has passed (either the time by which 70% of the prescription should have been used or 21 days since the prescription was dispensed or refilled).

·         The prescriber indicated on the original prescription that additional quantities would be needed.

·         The prescription eyedrops prescribed by the prescriber are covered under the health insurance policy.  

Prescriber is defined in section 17708 of the Public Health Code as a licensed dentist, a licensed doctor of medicine, a licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine and surgery, a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, a licensed optometrist certified under Part 174 to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, a licensed veterinarian, or another licensed health professional acting under the delegation and using, recording, or otherwise indicating the name of the delegating licensed doctor of medicine or licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine and surgery.

The bill would apply to health insurance policies delivered, executed, issued, amended, or adjusted in Michigan or covering Michigan residents, beginning 90 days after the bill was enacted.

Proposed MCL 500.3406u

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4451 would not have a significant fiscal impact on any unit of state or local government.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.